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Freakin Fast Marathon Reviews

4.2 Stars from
5 Runners

Great Course, Fantastic Volunteers

By HLD about 2017

Review

Loved everything about the venue. Course was great. Volunteers fantastic. Stayed Boise downtown and really enjoyed the city. Great start, small crowds and cool temperatures to start all ideal. Temperatures rose quickly at lower elevations and did have an affect on my pace, however I tend to be more sensitive than the most. The elevation at the beginning was also a slight factor if my heart rate was any indicator; however, I could of been feeling the affect of adrenaline. Unfortunately my heart rate monitor battery died after mile4, however, based on my perceived effort it felt like I was within my targeted range by mile 6 or so.

While I personally didn't have any quad or other issues with the downhill's I was a bit surprised by a couple of the inclines....so be ready. My quads and ankles interestingly were very sore for a couple of days following.

Race Tips

Two things could of been better and one of them I thought was a material oversight on part of race management. There is a cattle guard somewhere between mile 16 and 17 that should of been clearly marked (it was not marked at all) and at a minimum covered temporarily. Unfortunately neither of those things occurred and by the time I came up upon the cattle guard it was too late to go around or to stop (on steep decline) , as I tried to "fast feet" across (others negotiated this successfully) my foot caught between the bars and caused me to fall and injure my hip and big toe.....and although I did finish the injury spoiled my chance to BQ. I'm thankful the injury wasn't worse.

I also thought communication regarding the fire/smoke/pollutants caused from the forest fires in Oregon could have been better communicated prior to the race. Until I arrived in Boise Thursday evening, and immediately detected the deteriorated visibility and air quality, I was not aware of any fires in the area nor the poor air quality levels e.g. all outdoor activities in the area had been cancelled due to the extreme level of pollutants in the air.
All considered though, I would run this race again and highly recommend Boise and the Freakin Fast Marathon.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed at the Hyatt Place Downtown Boise and used uber as needed. The hotel was conveniently located, clean and the staff friendly and helpful. Check in/package pick up process was simple and quick. Bus pick up was easy and took about 45 minutes to the start line. Would like to have seen more porta - potty at the start. Race start was delayed so all the athletes could get through the line, at one point the line was at least 30 minutes.

5 /
5 Stars

Great views on a really fast course

By James about 2016

Review

Aid station support was great. Wonderful course, especially for those trying to qualify for Boston. Huge custom medals. It's a smaller race but if you don't want to be crowded by tons of people it works great.

Race Tips

Definitely need to do some downhill training for this one.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Plenty of hotel and food options around town, just make sure you don't wait until the last second to reserve a hotel and car.

5 /
5 Stars

By Anonymous about 2016

5 /
5 Stars

By Jonathan about 2016

Review

Really nice race as I chose this as my first full after 25+ halfs. Great shirt choices and plenty of aid stations. Weather was great and people were wonderful. Highly recommend this race whether it is your first full or your are trying to qualify for Boston.

Race Tips

It is a LONG downhill do hill training is recommended. Try to make sure that you don't have to go down stairs for a few days afterwards.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

If you have trouble with riding a bus on mountain roads, have someone ride up early while you drive up the mountain and then your passenger can take your vehicle down for you.

5 /
5 Stars

By AM about 2015

Review

Beware, organizers decided to postpone 2015 race less than 5 days before original date with unacceptable reasons. Should have warn racers much before of the circumstances as soon as they came up, not a few days before the race. No refund provided. Extremely high cost for international runners. Will not run during rescheduled date and never in the future.